Everything You Need to Know About Varnish

You can find many different types of varnish on the market today. Each one is unique, offering a different appearance and level of protection. Make sure to choose the right one for your project.

Here is a look at some of the most common types of wood varnish:

Water-based polyurethane

A quick-drying varnish that cuts down on waiting between coats. Sometimes combined with acrylic, it provides a clear finish that showcases the stain or colour of the wood, making it particularly suitable for lighter woods. You can also find water-based polyurethane formulated specifically for hardwood floors. It is easy to clean with soap and water and produces less odour than oil-based varnish.

Oil-based polyurethane

A hard-finish varnish with a light amber tint that gives it a golden glow and warm appeal. Oil-based varnish offers excellent protection for hardwood floors but is typically not preferred for lighter woods, as it may darken the wood considerably. It takes longer to dry than water-based varnish but requires fewer coats. Mineral spirits are required for cleanup.

Oil-modified polyurethane

Combines the quick-drying properties of water-based varnish with the warm finish of oil-based products. It is a durable choice for wood floors and can be cleaned with just soap and water.

Lacquer

A quick-drying and easy-to-apply topcoat that only requires a couple of coats for a clear and high-gloss finish. Can work on both wood and metal surfaces but is not a preferred option for floors as it can scratch easily and develop an amber tint with age. Lacquer thinner is required for cleanup.

Shellac

A natural, alcohol-based topcoat with a slight amber finish and a wood tone that may not go as well with lighter woods. Suitable for floors but not as resistant to scratching as polyurethane and will require more upkeep. Also not as heat resistant as other finishes so not suitable for surfaces where hot mugs or plates will be set down. Works on cured plaster, cured masonry, drywall, and metal, and can be cleaned up with denatured alcohol or a mixture of water and ammonia.

Spar urethane

A highly resilient, oil-based varnish with a long drying time but an exceptionally durable finish that will protect wood surfaces from UV, water, and temperature damage. An ideal choice for wood surfaces that make regular contact with moisture, like bathroom cabinets and bar tops, as well as for window or trim wood that is exposed to sunlight. Can be cleaned with mineral spirits.

Sheen refers to the lustre or shine of the topcoat or finish.

A high-gloss or gloss finish gives the wood a deep and brilliant shine but can also make it easier to spot blemishes.

Semi-gloss finishes offer a more muted level of shine.

Satin finishes provide a moderate shine and a more natural look. They are good for hiding minor surface imperfections.

Flat and matte finishes have very low to little shine and will also help obscure imperfections on the surface.

There are a number of other products that can protect or enhance the appearance of wood, like Danish oil, tung oil, and finishes made for specific applications like conditioning cutting boards and butcher blocks.

You can also find washes, wood effects, and other decorative finishes for creating aged, weathered, crackled, or burnt looks. Some can even transform latex paint into a glaze, be used in place of topcoats and stains, or be applied over stained wood.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter while applying varnish to a wooden surface. Make sure you know what the issue is before trying a fix!

Even wood with a good protective topcoat can sustain scratches, nicks, and other types of minor damage over time. Instead of refinishing the wood, you can try several wood repair products to restore its look. Wood filler pencils, tinted wood putty, and stain markers and pens all come in traditional stain colours, making it quick and easy to conceal small aesthetic issues.